Our impact

We want to make children’s experience of hospital as positive as possible.

Of course there will be times when they are scared, or in pain, or fed up and in need of a boost. A simple visit to the Fairy Box to choose a toy or book can be just the thing to turn a bad day into a good day, and tears into smiles.

Parents tell us that it makes their lives easier, and staff say that it can be just the distraction a child needs to allow them to carry out an important procedure.

This is Phoebe. She’s 11.

Phoebe, from Lochend near Inverness, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in 2008 when she was just two years old. Over a year of gruelling treatment followed, including a 15-day spell in intensive care, fighting for her life.

Despite everything she went through, Phoebe doesn’t remember the painful procedures she endured. All she remembers is visiting the Fairy Box at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital to choose a gift.

Phoebe’s mum Rona said: ‘On a couple of occasions when she was having difficult treatments and experiencing a lot of pain, Phoebe would call out ‘Will I get the Fairy Box?’ When the box was wheeled in for her to choose a toy, her wee face lit up.’

‘The Fairy Box also benefits the staff, it’s really helpful for them to be able to offer a treat to children after administering painful procedures.’

Fairy Box makes a difference

'It really is a magical therapy for someone to be able to choose something from the Fairy Box.'